Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United on alert as FIFA put Barcelona transfer ban on hold

DELIGHTED: Barcelona will be given the chance to bolster their squad in the summer after FIFA put their ban on hold [AFP]

The Spanish giants had been slapped with a two-window ban by the game's governing body after breaking rules regarding the signing of youth players.

“The chairman of the FIFA appeal committee considered that the appeal lodged by the club is to be granted suspensive effect”

FIFA Statement

However the Catalan club have seen the ban suspended until the outcome of an appeal.

A FIFA statement said: "The chairman of the FIFA appeal committee considered that the appeal lodged by the club is to be granted suspensive effect."

The news will alert Premier League giants Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal who can now do business with the Nou Camp side this summer.

TOP TARGET: Barca have been after Chelsea defender David Luiz for several years [REUTERS]

Chelsea defender David Luiz is a long-term target for Barca, while United and the Gunners are monitoring Cesc Fabregas's situation, with the 26-year-old coming under increasing scrutiny from the club's fans.

Barcelona are desperately seeking a new goalkeeper and central defender after No.1 Victor Valdes announced his intention to leave the club and captain Carlos Puyol's decision to retire, meaning Fabregas could be moved on this summer in a bid to free up funds.

Champions League chasers Everton could also benefit from the news, with the chances of talented loan star Gerard Deulofeu being sent to Goodison Park for a second season given a boost.

Manchester City's hopes of pinching Croatia midfielder Alen Halilovic look to have been dashed, though, as Barca already have a deal in place for the talented youngster.